What's a Portfolio and Why do I Need One?
- Mar 1, 2016
- 3 min read
Almost from day one of college, many students have been told to start thinking about a portfolio to showcase their work. This especially applies to anyone coming from a major dealing with communication, PR or writing. But, what is a portfolio?
As freshman year blinks by, getting a real job is not on the fore front of our concerns. Instead we focus on the unlimited buffet of food from the dining centers and avoid the gym like it’s the plague. Sophomore year sneaks in, along with the hovering thought of having to create a portfolio, which no one has really explained well enough, and the idea is tossed out of mind before any action is taken. Junior year falls into your lap and reality hits causing a slight panic as you will have to actually start thinking about a REAL job and career goals. Even though it is suggested to start as soon as possible on a portfolio, it is between junior and senior year when most people start to create their portfolio.
What is a portfolio? A portfolio is a display of your stories, artwork, performances, compositions, research papers, projects, etc.… that will showcase your talents and creativity. With examples of your work, the audience you show this to will see your progress, accomplishments, and talents. As you can see, there are many elements that can be found in a portfolio. With each person’s differing from the next, this makes each portfolio different.
Types of portfolios: There isn’t just one strict design or format to follow with portfolios. Examples of different kinds include online websites, online journals, blogs, graphics with digital archives, a physical binder with pieces of work inside, or a variety and mixture of many types to fit the needs of the specific event.
Who is this for and why do I need one? Portfolios are designed for anyone who would need to see examples of your work. By having this portfolio ready to go, it can be easier for future employers, universities, teachers, and community members to assess whether or not you are a good fit for the position you are applying for. It is also a good way to show that you know how to do the required work. Some courses require portfolios at the end of the semester showcasing the work that was done throughout the semester, while other people use the portfolio strictly for applying for jobs.
Where is this appropriate to use? Places that are appropriate to use portfolios are at job interviews where you know the job consists of certain tasks, such as writing or photography, that you would need to showcase your abilities. How else are the interviewers going to know if you are a good fit for the position if they can’t even read/see what you can do? Advice for the job search: tailor the content to the job position and to the kind of work that you will most likely be doing.
When can I start putting my portfolio together? Going back to the first few days of freshman year and being told to start working on a portfolio, it is never too early to begin gathering your material for a portfolio. For those who haven’t started, it is better late than never.
Additional resources: Check out these helpful websites that can give you more information about the styles of portfolio, advice on content choice, design, and much more.
Columbia College Chicago
http://students.colum.edu/portfolio-center/index.php
How to Make a College Student Career Portfolio
http://work.chron.com/make-college-student-career-portfolio-12837.html
Three Steps to Building a Winning College Portfolio
http://college.usatoday.com/2015/06/02/college-portfolio-building/
Photo from huntingbusinessmarketing.com
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